to hold still: not to move (S)
o Please hold still while I adjust your tie.
o If you don't hold that camera still, you'll get a blurred picture.
to know by sight: to recognize (S)
This idiom is used when the person has been seen previously but is not known personally. The person must be used to separate the idiom.
o I have never met our new neighbors; I simply know them by sight.
o The woman said that she would know the thief by sight if she ever saw him again.
to be the matter: to be unsatisfactory, to be improper, to be wrong
In a question, this idiom is used with what or something. In an answer, something or nothing is usually used.
o A: What is the matter, Betty? You look very upset.
o B: Yes, something is the matter. I've lost my purse!
o A: Is something the matter, Charles? You don't look well.
o B: No, nothing is the matter. I'm just a little under the weather.
to bring up: to rear, to raise from childhood (S); to mention, to raise an issue, to introduce a topic (S)
o Parents should bring up their children to be responsible members of society.
o Sarah wanted to bring the scheduling problem up at the club meeting, but finally she decided against doing so.
o One of the students brought up an interesting point related to the subject in our textbook.
to get lost: to become lost; to go away in order not to bother
The second definition provides a very informal, even rude, meaning that should be used only with close friends. It is sometimes used in a joking manner.
o While driving in Boston
o Todd kept bothering me while I was studying, so I told him to get lost.
o Lisa joked that she wanted her sister to get lost forever.
to hold up: to delay, to make late (S); to remain high in quality
o A big accident held up traffic on the highway for several hours.
o Deidre is amazed at how well her car has held up over the years.
to run away: to leave without permission; to escape
o The young couple ran away and got married because their parents wouldn't permit it.
o That cat is just like a criminal --- it runs away from anyone who tries to come near!
to rule out: to refuse to consider, to prohibit (S)
o Heather ruled out applying to college in Texas because she would rather go to school in Canada
o I'd like to watch a good movie on TV tonight, but a ton of homework rules that out.
by far: by a great margin, clearly
o Jacquie is by far the most intelligent student in our class.
o This is by far the hottest, most humid summer we've had in years.
to see off: to say good-bye upon departure by train, airplane, bus, etc. (also: to send off) (S)
A noun or pronoun must divide the idiom.
o We are going to the airport to see Peter off on his trip to Europe .
o When I left for Cincinnati
to see out: to accompany a person out of a house, building, etc. (S)
A noun or pronoun must again divide the idiom.
o The Johnsons were certain to see their guests out as each one left the party.
o Would you please see me out to the car? It's very dark outside.]
no wonder: it's no surprise that, not surprisingly
This idiom derives form reducing it is no wonder that…
o No wonder the portable heater doesn't work. It's not plugged into the electrical outlet!
o Jack has been out of town for several weeks. No wonder we haven't seen him recently.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét